African penguins are also known as jackass penguins, because they make a
sound that is very similar to a donkey's bray.

Size

23-25 inches tall; 5-9 pounds

Diet

Small fishes, such as pilchard, anchovies, horse mackerel, and sardines

Lifespan

10-15 years

Range

Africa’s coastal waters and islands, from Namibia through South Africa

Habitat

African penguins nest in burrows and lay two eggs, which are incubated for 38 to 40 days by both males and females. They hunt in the nutrient-rich cold-water currents just offshore.

Predators

Sharks and fur seals hunt penguins in the water. Seagulls, mongoose, and cats prey on nesting penguins and their offspring.

Relatives

There are 18 penguin species. African penguins are closely related to the Humboldt, Galapagos, and Magellanic penguins.

Family life

African penguins breed in huge, noisy colonies. They lay two eggs in burrows, bowl-shaped depressions dug in the sand, which protect the eggs from the sun. Like all penguins, they form tight pair bonds, and both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks for 2 to 4 months. The chicks are old enough to breed in 2 to 4 years.

Conservation status

Endangered. African penguins are in danger of extinction. Major reasons include depletion of their food from overfishing, climate change, and pollution from incidences such as oil spills. Most African penguins nest on islands, where they should be safe from predators, but cats, mongoose, and other introduced predators are now present on many of these islands.

Penguins and Climate Change

Temperate penguins are able to inhabit places where upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich ocean water to the surface, which creates a bountiful food supply. These penguins periodically face extreme food shortages when El Niño events usher in warm water and prevent cold water from reaching the surface. Leading climate scientists believe that global climate change will lead to stronger El Niño events in the future.

Visit Me at the Aquarium

The New England Aquarium’s penguin exhibit is home to more than 80 African, rockhopper, and little blue penguins.